Sponsored by the Helen Diller Family Foundation in association with the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties, the awards honor up to five teens who have demonstrated leadership and commitment to making the world a better place. Winners receive $36,000 each, to be used to further the teen’s education, expand charitable projects or explore new possibilities.

Last year’s L.A. winner, Daniel Sobajian, was recognized for initiating supply drives for schools, libraries and churches throughout Los Angeles. Past winners also have organized walks to protest genocide, cultivated gardens in derelict urban areas and spread awareness about education in the Third World.

Established by Bay Area philanthropist Helen Diller, the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards seek to encourage the next generation of Jewish leaders pursuing social change.

Candidates must be California residents, 13 to 19 at the time of the nomination, who self-identify as Jewish, but their projects can benefit anyone. Teachers, community leaders, rabbis and others, except family, can nominate. Teens can also nominate themselves.

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